Mothers
When asked "How would man be without woman?" Mark Twain assumed his quizzical look and then responded: "Mighty scarce. Mighty scarce."
No human has ever been born without a woman. My hunch is that God will wrap up things and stop the clock before some geneticist messes up Creation. Eve, the first woman created by God was called "the Mother of all living"
(Genesis 3:20). A person is an eternal soul. Souls belong to God. God will protect his territory. Souls are so important to God that He sent Jesus to "save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). It does not take a rocket scientist to figure that God puts a high premium on souls.
Moms are in the game. Cannot take them out.
I have never asked my parents whether I was in their plans. Maybe I was a surprise package. They have never told. My folks are from a generation that did not talk about such things. Anyway, I cannot really tell that there is any difference in the way Mom and Dad have treated the nine of us, except it seems at times Bradley is Mama's pet [Bradley is included just in case he reads this].
All of us got here because a woman cared enough not to abort. Our moms risked their own health and life to give us life. Our Dad may have slept soundly many nights while our Mom kept turning to find a comfortable place to rest---without success. No sleep on stomach, on back, on side, or sitting up. Difficult mornings. Watching diet. Doctor's visits.
Finally, the time of birth arrived. The Bible describes it as a time of risking the mother's life to deliver. Whatever the procedure or method of birth, delivery is not painless or without risk for Mom. Dad stands by and waits for bragging rights. Mom needs rest and time for recovery.
My Mom is still here. She and Dad gave their lives to our family and about 60 years of ministry. Sacrifice was sometimes a choice, and sometimes sacrifice was necessity. Mom still remembers having five children during World War II when gasoline, salt, sugar, tires, etc, were rationed. Life was hard, but not too hard to pack the family into a pickup truck on Sundays and be off to church.
These days Mom lives in a safe neighborhood, has friends, still drives her fabulous Honda, goes to church most Sundays, and lives alone. She still manages her finances...and investments...and keeps a tight lip about her personal business.
In days past Mom made lye soap in a big kettle in the back yard, kept the farm running with the boys when Dad was gone to work, kept meals on the table, and managed the household. I do not have to read Proverbs 31 to appreciate a virtuous woman. Mom also worked with Dad in ministry. They served 10 churches as the pastor's family. All of the churches grew in numbers and had better and/or larger facilities after my parents had served them.
Mom's greatest investment in her children was to pray for them. She was not a person to publicly announce her prayer life. However, I have memories of quietly passing through the house in the middle of night and hearing Mom praying softly to her God asking for mercies and grace for her children.
I fully recognize that not every person had a wonderful experience with their mom. Many persons have painful memories of experiences with their mom---or lack of experiences. I am truly sorry for the failures. However, failures are the very reason why the goodness and wonder of moms who fulfill biblical roles in the lives of their children should be praised.
As for me I am doubly blessed in that my Mother-in-law loved me. I miss her. She took me into my wife's family without reservation. Her faith and caring for others continues to serve as a great encouragement to me.
It is no marvel to me that Jesus on the cross instructed John to take Jesus' mother home with him. Jesus as the eldest son was responsible for his mom. He fulfilled his duty by insuring his mother was not left destitute in old age.
My hope and prayer is that you, My Friend, will take this opportunity to be kind to your mother. If your mother is not alive, put some healing in your life by acts of kindness to other ladies. If your Mother is alive, whatever the past, make sure that you value time left. She gave you life. She did not abort you. Mom will not always be here. Assure her of your love.
Respect for parents is a God thing.
Pastor Bare
Honor your father and mother that thy days may be long upon the earth (Exodus 20:12).